Boeing's Quality Challenge: Leadership Changes Amid Upgrades

Elizabeth Lund, Boeing's head of quality for commercial airplanes, retires in December after being central to the company's quality improvements. Lund's conduct during an investigation led to scrutiny, and FAA oversight issues were highlighted. Doug Ackerman will replace her as Boeing seeks to enhance 737 MAX production.

Elizabeth Lund, Boeing's head of quality for commercial airplanes, will retire in December after a 33-year career at the company. Known for leading Boeing's quality improvements, Lund was appointed in February to a new senior vice president role following a crisis with the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9.

Lund faced criticism in June when the National Transportation Safety Board cited Boeing for breaking investigation protocols by releasing confidential information to the media. This prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to halt Boeing's 737 MAX production expansion until substantial quality improvements were made.

Boeing plans to implement extensive quality measures approved by the FAA, with Doug Ackerman stepping in to continue these efforts. An ongoing safety review by the FAA, along with an Inspector General report, underscores the need for better oversight at Boeing's facilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)